DO it!

Normally, I like to have a desk facing the room, rather than the wall, but these two examples show just how effective a desk facing art and interesting bookshelves can be.

When I say art, I mean good art, large art and art that complements the furniture placement. The play of red, cream and black between the furniture, walls and art in the image on the left, all complement each other and create a striking visual arrangement. The art content is also simple which prevents it from overpowering the desk and chair, even though the piece of art is large. To improve the arrangement, I would have placed the lamp on the left side of the desk to better show the red in the painting, balance out the black in the scheme, and even make the lighting better for a right-handed person. Otherwise, this is a lovely grouping that takes advantage of the nook in the wall.

The image on the right creates such interest for a simple black desk facing the wall in that the book colors and their arrangement become part of the whole look. Lovely touches of gold and brass warm up the black and charcoal and white accents keep it from all becoming too heavy. Would this be as interesting with colored book spines and colored accessories on the shelf? I don't believe so. To me, the books create an almost 'wallpaper' effect, and the painting hanging over the wall of books makes it seem even more so. What do you think?